Summary
Starfieldis a space RPG that allows players to explore over 1000 planets and moons in an expansive universe full of adventure. It focuses on the Settled Systems that have found relative peace after years of warring. Things are turned upside down when players discover strange artifacts scattered throughout the universe.
To the disappointment of many,Starfieldlaunched with only a 30 FPS mode available. However, with a May update, that’s changed, and the game can now run at 60 FPS on the Xbox Series X. This should be a feature available at launch not just forStarfield, but for all Bethesda games.
Starfield and the 30 FPS vs 60 FPS Debate
Games are often capped at 30 FPS to maintain a cinematic feeling and to allow for a focus on graphical fidelity. In an interview with IGN,Bethesda game director Todd Howardexplained that the studio is always aiming for “huge, open worlds, fully dynamic, hyperdetail where anything can happen.” Hence, the studio decided to “lock it at 30 [FPS], because we want that fidelity, we want all that stuff.”
Despite this, there are players who much prefer 60 FPS. For many, it feels more responsive and gameplay feels faster, and some players are willing to sacrifice graphical fidelity. Some games offer a 40 FPS compromise that allows players to enjoy higher frame rates while minimizing how much graphical fidelity needs to be reduced.
Starfield’s 60 FPS update
On May 15,Starfieldreceived an updatethat allows the game to run at 30, 40, 60, or uncapped FPS on the Xbox Series X. For players without VRR, they’ll be able to enjoy the game at 30 FPS or 60 FPS, though screen tearing may occur at higher framerates. Players can also choose to target visuals or performance, though it is recommended that players who choose 60 FPS target performance for a smooth experience. Prioritizing visuals keeps the highest resolution while maintaining full detail for special effects, lighting, and crowds, while prioritizing performance lowers internal resolution and detail for special effects, lighting, and crowds.
Bethesda Games Should Always Give Players Options
The freedom of choice that has been given to players is appreciated, but it should have been present since launch. With such a wide array of players with different preferences playingBethesda games, limiting the titles to 30 FPS can have a negative effect on reviews and initial impressions. It is a good thing that the studio has updated the game, but it may be a little too late for some.
In the future, the option to change the framerate should be available at launch for all Bethesda games. It’s been proven that theXbox Series X can handle Bethesda’s expansive worldsat 60 FPS without too much of a knock to visual fidelity. Hopefully, Bethesda learns from this experience and has these options available from day one on titles likeThe Elder Scrolls 6.
Starfieldlaunched to mixed reception for several reasons, and while somecriticizedStarfield’s repetitive missions, others did complain about the 30 FPS cap. The update may be exactly what the game needed to draw in players who may have stayed away because of the lack of display options.
Starfield
WHERE TO PLAY
Starfield is the first new universe in 25 years from Bethesda Game Studios, the award-winning creators of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and Fallout 4. In this next generation role-playing game set amongst the stars, create any character you want and explore with unparalleled freedom as you embark on an epic journey to answer humanity’s greatest mystery.The year is 2330. Humanity has ventured beyond our solar system, settling new planets, and living as a spacefaring people. From humble beginnings as a space miner, you will join Constellation – the last group of space explorers seeking rare artifacts throughout the galaxy – and navigate the vast expanse of the Settled Systems in Bethesda Game Studios’ biggest and most ambitious game.
